If you were to bring 1 modern marvel 500 years in the past with the goal of having the people bow down to you and serve you as king, what would it be?

A machine gun.

The people of 500 years ago will have no idea that this weapon requires ammunition. Kill a few animals at a great distance with the ammo you brought, save a few rounds for the occasional display, and your subjects will fear you.

It's not the best way to rule, but understand that 500 years ago, the idea of being governed was all about force. The king was the king because he was born to it…and his money allowed him to pay soldiers to crush revolting peasants.

That's what was “normal” in 1516…and it is likely all the citizens of that time would understand.

It sickens me to say it, but even today, most people of the world are still governed by violence. It's not a good thing - but it is reality.

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